Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has detailed his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During a surprise visit to Moscow, Prime Minister Fico met with President Putin to advance Slovakia’s independent foreign policy. Following the Kremlin meeting on Sunday, Fico’s Facebook post explained the meeting’s purpose, noting that EU leaders were pre-informed.
Fico stated the meeting was a direct response to Ukrainian President Zelensky’s declaration that Ukraine would oppose gas transit to Slovakia. He added that Zelensky has also been urging EU allies to sanction Russia’s nuclear energy sector.
“Such actions financially harm Slovakia and threaten our nuclear power plants, which is unacceptable,” Fico stated, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding Slovakia’s interests.
The Kremlin’s brief statement described the meeting as a working visit attended by presidential aide Yury Ushakov.
Fico, a vocal critic of Western support for Ukraine, has halted Slovak military aid to Kyiv and repeatedly called for the EU to lift sanctions against Russia, advocating for renewed dialogue post-conflict.
Fico described a lengthy discussion with Putin covering bilateral relations, which he aims to normalize. They also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and explored avenues for a peaceful resolution.
Fico survived an assassination attempt in May and revealed a potential second attempt related to his stance on the Ukraine conflict.
Fico recently accused Zelensky of a €500 million bribe attempt to secure Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s NATO bid, citing Zelensky’s refusal to allow gas transit and offering unrealistic solutions to the gas issue.
Ukraine’s refusal to extend a gas transit agreement with Russia, expiring December 31st, jeopardizes Slovakia’s energy security, as it relies heavily on the Druzhba pipeline for natural gas.